Updated on 24 Jan 2021: The White Rabbit and The Rabbit Hole will be closing for good on 30 April 2021.

Established in 2008, The White Rabbit is one of our all-time favourite romantic restaurants in Singapore. Set in a restored chapel on Dempsey Hill, the beautiful restaurant has recently got a facelift and is still gorgeous with its iconic stained glass and booth seats.

Helmed by Exec Chef Daniel Sia, The White Rabbit is well-loved for their menu of classic European Classics with a slight twist as well as an extensive boutique wine list and Gin & Tonics. It is also a fantastic spot for a weekend affair with your loved one(s), especially with its new brunch menu available on weekends and public holidays.

The White Rabbit is known for its Gin & Tonics which are garnished with herbs from its own garden and mixed with its house-made tonic. Bar manager, Andy Lim takes inspirations for his concoction from his travels and the food he eats.

Don’t we love a good Burrata? At The White Rabbit, the ball of fresh, oozy cheese is accompanied by a refreshing tomato-watermelon tartare. Even non-cheese lovers would be wowed by the light yet palatable flavours of the Burratina Salad (S$23).

Paper-thin slices of raw wagyu beef carefully prepared with olive oil, capers and lemon juice, TWR’s Wagyu Carpaccio (S$26) comes with fried Brussel sprouts for a lovely textural variety, and the dish is complete with a drizzle of truffle vinaigrette.

The Ibérico Pork Collar (S$42) was more than impressive. It features a slab of extremely tender pork collar drizzled with kelp brown butter, accompanied by a beautifully charred cabbage and a dollop of lemon purée. The contrast of flavours and textures makes this enthralling dish one to savour and we long for more.

For S$29, the Beer-battered Kühlbarra Seabass is a classic fish & chips dish that features 2 fresh slabs of white fish, accompanied with house-made tartare sauce and a mildly sweet pea purée that is a nice juxtapose to the savoury fish.

Nobody leaves The White Rabbit without having their famous Crêpe Suzette (S$22). Thin crêpe pancakes made fresh upon order is lavishly soaked in Grand Marnier and dressed with yoghurt mousse and fresh flowers.

This TWR classic used to be prepared and served table-side, but due to the pandemic, this table-side service has ceased. Nonetheless, isn’t this TWR rendition of the French dessert oh so gorgeous?

If you still have room for more desserts, go for the Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart (S$16) which comes with a scoop of yoghurt ice cream.

The Rabbit Hole is currently closed during this period but you can still enjoy a stroll in the lovely garden after your meal.

And of course, take a photo at one of the most iconic photo spots in Singapore.

The White Rabbit
39C Harding Rd, Singapore 249541
Tel: 6473 9965

After going through the ups and downs of life together and seeking her parents’ permission, you have decided she is the one that you want to spend the rest of your life with and you need a place to propose.

It isn’t easy, because you need to find somewhere with ambiance, great food (if she is a fellow foodie), romantic etc. But we’ve got you covered.

Here are some romantic restaurants in Singapore that you can ask for her hand in marriage and plan a surprise that will forever be edged deep down in her heart, hoping her answer is definitely a ‘Yes!’. Good luck!

Photo Credit: ARTEMIS GRILL & SKY BAR

ARTEMIS GRILL & SKY BAR

If a private ride across the sky is beyond your budget, you can overlook Marina Bay’s stunning urban skyline and sea view situated on CapitaGreen’s 40-storeys high rooftop restaurant and bar.

Enjoy luxurious and exquisite Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with premium ingredients sourced internationally with your partner-in-crime.

138 Market Street
#40-01 CapitaGreen Rooftop
Singapore 048946
Tel: +65 6635 8677
Mon to Fri: 11.30am to 10pm
Sat: 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Art Restaurant

ART RESTAURANT

Directed by Michelin-star Chef-Restaurateur Beppe De Vito, Art is a polished, à la mode Italian restaurant nestled in National Gallery Singapore made perfect for dilettantes. Beppe showcases Italy’s heritage and his attitude to life through his delicacies that are created with meaningful culinary anthologies that goes through seasons and stories.

Tel: +65 6866 1977

Mon to Sun: 12pm to 2pm, 6:30pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

ASH & ELM

A European restaurant with a vibrant setting is Ash & Elm, winner of G Restaurant Awards of Excellence.

Calling InterContinental its home, the ambience of this restaurant is definitely one to boast about. Feel the brasserie’s spontaneity and energy with this light-filled restaurant, there are three exciting culinary theatres parked within the restaurant including a charcuterie and cheese room, wood-fired oven and an open charcoal-grill kitchen.

80 Middle Rd
Level 1, InterContinental Singapore
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 6338 7600
Mon to Sun: 6am to 10:30am, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: CÉ LA VI

CÉ LA VI

Be awed by Singapore’s cityscape at this rooftop restaurant & bar in Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark, Cé La Vi is nothing short of romantic. Chill vibes and the cooling breeze sets the right mood for a couple of drinks.

1 Bayfront Ave,
Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018971
Tel: +65 6508 2188
Mon to Sun: 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm (Restaurant)
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 2am (SkyBar)
Sun: 12pm to 1am (SkyBar)
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: One Faber Group

DUSK RESTAURANT & BAR

Feel love in the air at Dusk, an al fresco restaurant & bar where you can get a bird’s-eye view of Harbourfront and Sentosa Island. Take a cable car up for a wholesome experience and enhance the element of romance by enjoying a glass of refreshing cocktail on a hilltop while watching the beautiful sun set.

109 Mount Faber Road
Level 2
Singapore 099203
Tel: +65 6377 9688
Mon to Thurs, Sun: 4pm to 11pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 4pm to 2am

Photo Credit: IL CIELO

IL CIELO

Parked on Hilton Singapore’s top floor, il Cielo, a pool-side restaurant with contemporary setting boasts the scenic view of the bustling Orchard Road. Expect gastronomic Japanese cuisine and romantic dining experience at this Michelin-Plated restaurant helmed by Chef Yohhei Sasaki.

581 Orchard Road
Level 24, Hilton Singapore
Singapore 238883
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 2:30pm, 7pm to 10pm
Sat: 7pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Flutes Restaurant & Bar

FLUTES RESTAURANT & BAR

JAAN BY KIRK WESTAWAY

JAAN is a world renowned restaurant that carries a reputation for being a gastronomic platform that cultivates exceptional culinary talents. Experience British dining where Chef de Cuisine Kirk Westaway translates memories of his beloved childhood dishes in England into his gourmet creations.

Just like a grand ballroom, JAAN is sophisticatedly furnished with posh Murano crystal and silver free-form chandelier across the whole ceiling. Look outside and treat your eyes to the  beautiful landscape of Singapore. Polished from the inside out, JAAN also promises exquisite service and culinary experiences.

2 Stamford Road
Level 70 The Stamford, Swissôtel
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6837 3322
Mon to Sat: 11:45am to 1pm, 6:45pm to 8pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: La Taperia

LA TAPERIA

A bona-fide Spanish home concept with its curved windows and hand-painted terracotta tiles in dim yellow light setting and wood furniture screams cosy. Enlivening the ambience with lively Spanish tunes resonating in the room and a dim glow with hand-made lamps by Eperara-Siapidara weavers in Colombia atop tables gets you in the mood for something exciting.

La Taperia is set to offer you a holistic Spanish feast with the perfect ambience for catchups and heartfelt talks over tapas and the greatest selection of Spanish wine.

1 Scotts Rd
#02-10/11 Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6737 8336
Mon to Sun: 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MONTI

Immerse yourself in the contemporary opulence at Monti, an esteemed Italian fine-dining establishment in The Fullerton Pavilion.  Dishing out regal Italian creations, this place will send your tastebuds to pasta heaven.

Get ready to catch your date’s jaw when you both walk in, because this place is a real stunner. Dressed with teal leather chairs, eclectic bulbs and tasteful decor, Monti’s seductive ambience is the perfect backdrop for a nod to the ring.

82 Collyer Quay
Fullerton Pavilion
Singapore 049327
Tel: +65 6535 0724
Mon to Fri: 11am to 3pm (Weekday brunch)
Mon to Sun: 6pm to 10:30pm (Dinner)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

OCEAN RESTAURANT

Surround yourselves with graceful manta rays and swimming sharks at this underwater restaurant which features a massive aquarium. Relish in delectable selections of sustainably sourced seafood at the same time!

For a memorable proposal for one to boast about, Ocean Restaurant is the one to call. Come on, how many girls get to tell her girlfriends about being proposed to underwater? Make the  experience an unforgettable for your special one here.

22 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-455 & 456 S.E.A Aquarium
Singapore 098136
Tel: +65 6577 6869 / +65 6577 6688
Mon to Thur: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11:30am, 1pm, 6pm, 8pm

ODETTE

One of the three-Michelin star holders in Singapore, Odette is a French restaurant dressed in soft colours and graceful furnishing that makes one feel like they are a Disney princess, allowing one to live out their fairytale dreams.

Designed by Sacha Leong of Universal Design Studio, comfort and elegance is its main focus in this clean and sleek setting. Chef Julien believes in transparency and honesty in the operations of Odette and seeks to serve the best only, thus you can fully trust them for a gastronomic experience there.

Photo Credit: POLLEN

POLLEN

Enjoy a buggy ride from Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza to start off an epicurean journey at POLLEN where you will discover modern French cuisine with Mediterranean coast inspired-flavours.

Framed by picturesque flora and fauna around, POLLEN offers unique experiences over two levels. Treat your eyes with breathtaking views of the Marina Bay skyline and waterfront on the first level with multi-course gourmet menus.

18 Marina Gardens Dr
#01-09 Flower Dome
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6604 9988
Wed to Mon: 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

QUENTIN’S

Spearheaded by Chef Quentin Pereira, Quentin’s is one out of the only two establishments in Singapore serving authentic Eurasian fare.

Set in a classy, well-furbished interior, this bar-restaurant boasts a monotoned theme. The pre-dominantly black hues accented with pops of white create a striking yet mysterious atmosphere, perfect for surprising that special someone.

2 Gunner Lane
#01-08 Blk 14 Mess Hall Sentosa
Singapore 099567
Tel: +65 8817 6742
Mon to Sun: 11am to 11pm

Photo Credit: Restaurant Jag

RESTAURANT JAG

76 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089535
Tel: +65 3138 8477
Tues to Fri: 12pm to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
Sat: 6pm to 10pm

SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

An iconic restaurant 55-storeys high with see-through ceilings that make you feel like you are amongst the clouds, Salt Grill & Sky Bar is a romantic spot to spoil your partner and yourself with finesse cuisine.

As if you were in the sky, loosen up and take a breather by watching over the ravishing panoramic views from the heart of Singapore. Just like the love of your life who seems to be a God-sent angel, pop the question at this sky-high classy restaurant where the vibe check is right.

2 Orchard Turn
#55-01 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Mon to Fri: 11:30am to 1:45pm, 6pm to 9:45pm
Sat & Sun: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 6pm to 9:45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: SKAI

SKAI

Another restaurant located at Swissôtel The Stamford, Skai is a modern-classy grill restaurant on the 70th floor with stunning views. Boost the romance and your confidence with delectable drinks handcrafted by Head Bartender Rusty Cerven.

With Executive Chef Paul Hallett on the forefront, he has curated an innovative fine grill menu with exceptional culinary skills from his years of experience. Impress your honey with this stunning location with good food and vibes to show her your thoughtful planning for this important moment!

2 Stamford Road
Level 70 Swissôtel The Stamford
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Mon to Sun: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: SPAGO BY WOLFGANG PUCK

SPAGO BY WOLFGANG PUCK

Overlooking the city skyline and popular infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands, Spago’s ambiance is perfect for lovers to share special moments together as you sip on handcrafted cocktails while taking in the cooling breeze at the alfresco bar.

Carrying a California concept in this restaurant by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, expect fine dining curated with care. The interior is chic and lavish with golden ceiling finishes, nothing too overwhelming for those who prefer something more casual, but still with good ambience and scenic views.

10 Bayfront Avenue
Level 57 Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 2
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 9955
Mon to Thur, Sun: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10pm
Fri: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 11pm
Sat: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

THE CLIFFORD PIER

Be dazzled by the beauty of The Clifford Pier where a heritage site was revamped into this alluring white, grand setting that was inspired by colonial buildings with its arches and steep ceiling. Spot displays that tell of Singapore’s history including lithographs, photographs and books.

Along perimeters of the pier lies the alfresco seating area that was fused with aquatic concepts, highlighting the uniqueness of the restaurant being built above the sea where you can get a clear and outstanding view of Marina Bay and the modern skyline of Singapore.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6877 8911/8912
Mon to Fri: 12pm to 2:30pm, 3:30pm to 5:30pm, 6:30pm to 10pm
Sat: 11am to 2pm, 3pm to 5pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Sun: 11am to 2pm, 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Photo Credit: THE CORNER HOUSE

THE CORNER HOUSE

What used to be home to the man, E J H Corner, who made immense contributions to Singapore’s history in preserving nature and cultural assets, The Corner House is one with stories to tell. With main elements of the original house being kept intact, the building was remodelled to accommodate a modern restaurant.

See-through windows with green surroundings allows the ambience to feel calm and inviting for some quiet time to be spent with your beloved. Especially romantic when the evening light dawns upon and warm lights are turned on as you revel in extraordinary gourmet.

1 Cluny Road, E J H Corner House
Singapore Botanic Gardens (Nassim Gate Entrance)
Singapore 259569
Tel: +65 6469 1000
Tues to Fri: 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11:30am to 3pm, 6:30pm to 11pm

Photo Credit: THE SUMMERHOUSE

THE SUMMERHOUSE

Dressed in lush greenery and mesmerising fairy lights, The Summerhouse will whisk you away into a countryside of serenity.

Dine with your lover under the stars within a cosy, secluded igloo dome. The dome is made of a see-through material which lets in the picturesque view of thriving gardens around you. If al fresco dining isn’t your thing, their indoor area is just as desirable with its clean white aesthetic tinged with floral, woody accents.

3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 8809 5840
Wed to Sun, Eve of & PH: 6pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

THE WHITE RABBIT

The White Rabbit acquired the space of an old chapel, and this one-of-a-kind restaurant still preserved the architecture of the original building which creates a nostalgic atmosphere. They are known for their European chef-d’oeuvre, excellent table-side service and praiseworthy overall dining experience.

As if you have entered another dimension as you travel through the rabbit hole, the divine halls with classic stained-glass windows and restored grand-high beams.

39C Harding Road
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965
Tues to Fri: 11:45am to 2:30pm, 6:15pm to 10:30pm
Sat and Sun: 11am to 3pm, 6:15pm to 10:30pm

ZAFFERANO

The elegant Zafferano that watches over the expansive city’s skyline, emanates an inviting and exquisite vibrancy suitable for all occasions. Led on by a clean and sleek concept with custom-made Italian-inspired furniture, the restaurant takes on a modern vibe.

An intricately laced masterpiece made up of a thousand steel saffron tendrils situated enthroned above the circular bar with scattering luminosity across the room is bound to catch your attention. The jovial atmosphere is a perfect spot for couples to spend quality time together over refreshing cocktails by the experienced bartenders.

10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 6509 1488
Mon to Fri: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Sat: 6:30pm to 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

If you’re certain that bae is someone you want to be with for the long-term, then we reckon that you wouldn’t mind splurging on an expensive meal. Whether you’re looking for sky-high fine dining or casual fusion fare, dinner in the gardens or a date beside the pool, Singapore is full of options for a special meal out.

Here, we put some of the island’s most romantic dining experiences to the test. Set to enthral the senses and taste buds and have her in a state of surrealism from start to finish, here is our list of 28 romantic restaurants in Singapore perfect for valentines day, date nights, anniversaries, possible proposal venues, and everything else in between.

15 STAMFORD BY ALVIN LEUNG

A new venture by master chef, maverick and culinary rule-breaker, 3-Michelin-starred Chef Alvin Leung from Hong Kong, 5 Stamford over at The Capitol Kempinski Singapore pays humble tribute to various Asian cuisines in and around Southeast Asia. The 72-Hour Short Ribs Rendang with Pickled Cabbage is dangerously addictive.

15 Stamford Road
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 6715 6871
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

AKIRA BACK

Akira Back at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach is one of those places that prides itself on its unique approach and sets itself apart from the rest of the pack in more ways than one. The restaurant is helmed by celebrity Chef Akira Back who spares no effort in crafting elegant dishes centred around modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents. His AB Pizza is an umami bomb that you have to try!

30 Beach Road
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1914
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade/ Raffles City

BEDROCK BAR & GRILL

If your girl’s got an appetite, she will not be disappointed at Bedrock Bar & Grill.

Steaks are serious business at Bedrock Bar and Grill—the steak restaurant even has its own dry ageing fridge within its premises. With their curated menu featuring different types of premium cuts of steak to fresh seafood from the USA, Japan and Australia, this is one steakhouse in Singapore to love.

96 Somerset Road,
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard,
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 0054
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Photo Credit: Caffe Fernet

CAFFE FERNET

Exciting the palates of diners with their fresh, vibrant takes on Italian fare, Caffe Fernet is THE place to take your gal if she’s a sucker for pasta and yummy cocktails. To really spice up your date, why not opt to dine outside as you marvel at the views of the Marina Bay skyline with the cool breeze in your hair.

70 Collyer Quay,
#01-05 Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 9178 1105
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

CÉ LA VI

Offering breathtaking views of the Marina Bay skyline, funky food and killer cocktails, all while you lounge in a swanky, open-air space, Cé La Vi ranks high on our list of romantic spots to take a date. Pop open a bottle of bubbly, order yourselves a cheese platter to share and you’re pretty much set.

1 Bayfront Ave,
Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018971
Tel: +65 6508 2188
Mon & Tues: 12pm – 2am
Wed: 12pm – 4am Thu: 12pm – 3am
Fri: 12pm – 4am Sat: 11am – 4am
Sun: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Sidne Yeo

CHEEK BY JOWL

Headed by the young yet hugely talented Chef Rishi, Cheek By Jowl is an immensely casual, relaxing escape, backed by a repertoire of exciting plates that serve to excite and leave you in awe. The food here is predominantly Australian in its roots but with a modern touch. Choose between the 5 or 7-course menu and get set to have your minds completely blown.

21 Boon Tat Street,
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 6221 1911
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

COMO CUISINE

Set upon the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, indulge in a gratifying and intimate brunch or at COMO Cuisine. From the buttery whiff of freshly baked pastries to the chocolatey aroma of fresh coffee grinds performing the air, there is truly no better place to spend with bae on the weekend.

Block 18A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 304 6688
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Breakfast (Mon to Fri): 8am – 12pm
High Tea (Tue & Fri): 3pm – 5pm
Brunch (Sat & Sun): 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

CORNER HOUSE

Set amongst the lush greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, one-Michelin-starred Corner House offers couples an intimate respite located far from the bustling city. The menu is primarily French, and feature a variety of delicate flavours, skilfully prepared and presented in the most beautiful fashion.

1 Cluny Road,
Singapore Botanic Gardens,
Singapore 259569
Tel: +65 6469 1000 (Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

GREENWOOD FISH MARKET (QUAYSIDE ISLE)

The chic seafood restaurant is the ideal social gathering spot for groups of friends and is also a romantic dining destination for couples too. A fan of oysters? Well, two of you better roll up your sleeves because there’re several varieties from all over the world waiting to be shucked and slurped.

31 Ocean Way #01-04/05
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Singapore 098375
Tel: +65 6262 0450
Mon: 5pm to 10pm (Closed on 1st Mon of every month)
Tues to Fri: 12pm to 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Photo Credit: PS. Cafe

JYPSY

Jypsy—yet another brainchild of the PS.Cafe Group—brings to the fore contemporary Japanese plates drawing from the spirit of Japanese cuisine. Their menu is fun, refreshing but ultimately casual. Prices are not overly steep and the ambience is sublime—but of course, you would not expect anything less in that department from the PS.Cafe Group.

38 Martin Road,
Singapore 239059
Tel: +65 8188 6177
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

Photo Credit: Les Amis

LES AMIS

Sophisticated from its white tablecloths to the way every single dish is plated, Les Amis is where to bring your date for an outer-world fine dining experience. We are huge fans of their philosophy, that is to serve amazing food through the use of quality ingredients (most of which are directly imported from France)—not conforming to the latest cooking trends.

1 Scotts Road, #01-16 Shaw Centre,
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6733 2225
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2pm, 7pm – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 2pm, 6.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MITZO

Combining contemporary twists on Cantonese cuisine with a solid artisanal cocktail programme, dining at Mitzo is truly unlike any other. The restaurant reinvents the Chinese dining experience and brings with it a fresh approach and energy. The ambience surrounding the place is also great for an intimate date.

Level 4 Grand Park,
270 Orchard Road,
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 2am
Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Monti

MONTI

Set in Fullerton Bay’s Fullerton Pavilion, MONTI offers an all-rounded experience, combining eclectic modern Italian-influenced cuisine, an array of tantalising cocktails and a breathtaking view to match. Inspired by the bounty of fresh produce—a key principle in classic Italian cooking—MONTI seeks to elevate the senses by means of food and drink.

82 Collyer Quay,
Singapore 049327
Tel: +65 6535 0724
Daily: 9.30am – 5pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

ODETTE

A restaurant specialising in contemporary French with 2 Michelin Stars to its name, Odette displays finesse in its finest form. Seasonality, terroir and artisanal produce are the guiding principles behind their dishes, which are all seriously unparalleled in taste and sheer elegance.

1 St Andrew’s Road,
#01-04 National Gallery Singapore,
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6385 0498 (Closed on Sundays)
Mon: 7pm – 9pm
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 1.30pm, 7pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

OPUS BAR & GRILL

Located on the ground floor of Hilton Singapore, Opus Bar & Grill’s astounds with its killer ambience and a fine repertoire of steaks.

The restaurant’s secret recipe in divine meat lies in its specially commissioned Himalayan salt tile dry-ageing cabinet, charcoal grill, and the usage of only excellent prime cuts and high-quality ingredients.

581 Orchard Road,
Lobby Level Hilton Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3390
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

POLLEN

POLLEN Terrace’s prime location within the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay makes it the go-to restaurant for any occasion. First look at the upper terrace and we were sold; besides an impeccable view of lush botanicals and beautiful blooms, the restaurant offers delicious French-Mediterranean food that’ll leave a darn good impression.

18 Marina Gardens Drive #02-09 Flower Dome,
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6604 9988
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

RACINES

Over at award-winning Racines, perched on the fifth floor of Sofitel Singapore City Centre, be wowed by a medley of sumptuous French-Chinese dishes at their luxe buffet line. They take extravagance to a whole new level and even feature a station dedicated to artisanal water—say what?

9 Wallich Street,
5th floor Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 12.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SABIO BY THE SEA, TAPAS BAR & GRILL

Paying homage to the vibrant, group-friendly delicacies of Spain, Sabio by the Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill serves up an impeccable array of both hot and cold tapas with an elaborate cocktail list to match. Located right next to the boat docks, the ambience is serene and perfect for a romantic date.

31 Ocean Way, #01-02
Quayside Isle,
Singapore 098373
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri:12pm – 11pm
Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

SUSHI JIRO KEPPEL BAY

Presenting a brand-new space that boasts a breathtaking view of Keppel Bay’s stunning architecture and multi-million dollar yachts along with a larger floor space that can accommodate more than 100 diners, dining at Sushi Jiro at Keppel Bay promises a multi-sensory Japanese dining experience not easily forgotten.

Housing a sophisticated repertoire of signature, elegantly crafted items—both classic and contemporary—the restaurant sets the bar high, astounding diners with the likes of their various sushi offerings.

No.2 Keppel Bay Vista #02-01,
Marina at Keppel Bay,
Singapore 098382
Tel: +65 6252 4333
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

Located on the 55th storey of ION Orchard, Salt Grill & Sky Bar offers diners an obstructed bird eye’s view of the city and an elegant dining atmosphere, making it an ideal restaurant no matter if you’re looking for a sensuous spot to impress your first date or a charming restaurant to spoil bae.

2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard Mall #55-01
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 1.45pm, 6pm – 9.45pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

THE MARMALADE PANTRY (OASIA DOWNTOWN)

Everything about The Marmalade Pantry impresses from its stellar array of delicious food and its cosy spaces that provide a temporary respite from the hectic city. But beyond indulgent afternoons and delicious meals, they also provide a nice quiet space for lovebirds to cosy up over a glass of wine.

Oasia Hotel Downtown, #01-01
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE PELICAN

The Pelican at One Fullerton is a top-of-mind restaurant whenever we crave hearty Mediterranean seafood grills and a fantastic setting overlooking the Marina Bay to match. Fancy a full-on seafood feast to share? Consider the Grilled Seafood Platter—best enjoyed with a bottle of something white and dry.

1 Fullerton Road,
#01-01 One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE SUMMERHOUSE

For an idyllic time away from the world whilst indulging in exquisite nature-inspired cuisine that guarantees freshness and unparalleled dining experience, The Summerhouse over at Seletar Aerospace Park will be the perfect spot.

3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Wed to Fri: 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

THE WHITE RABBIT

Set inside a once old chapel, this restaurant boasts a facade of grandeur from its well done up furnishings to its pristine menu. The restaurant focuses mostly on contemporary European plates intended to surprise and tantalise.

39C Harding Road,
Singapore 249541
Tel: +65 6473 9965 (Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 11.45am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Road

Photo Credit: CityNomads

THEVAR

A relatively new entrant in Singapore’s sea of casual fine dining restaurants and one that has been under many radars as of late, Thevar is a bar and grill that derives its influences from the spices and flavours of Indian cuisine. A truly unique and remarkable experience, be treated to a marriage of Indian flavours underscored by an edgy, char-grilled finish.

9 Keong Saik Road,
Singapore 089117
Tel: +65 6904 0838 (Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

VIOLET OON (ION ORCHARD)

The brand-new Violet Oon Singapore in ION Orchard traces the Singapore food story back to colonial times with dishes that include British food interpreted by Hainanese cooks back in the day.

Offering a stellar menu that covers every aspect of the niche cuisine such as oxtail stew, Hainanese pork chop and shepherd’s pie and a selection of Violet’s crowd-favourite Nyonya signatures, all nicely cradled around the ideology of Peranakan hospitality.

ION Orchard #03-28/29
2 Orchard Turn,
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WILDSEED CAFÉ & BAR

Located on the ground floor of The Summerhouse Dining Room, Wildseed Café whips up hearty lunch and brunch dishes during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

ZAFFERANO

Offering diners a stunning 360-degree view of the Marina Bay skyline from its perch on the 43rd floor of Ocean Financial Centre, Zafferano is a splendid place for date night. Aside from the marvellous view, their repertoire of hearty Italian delights will certainly wow too.

10 Collyer Quay
Ocean Financial Centre
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 6509 1488 (Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Thu & Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Sat: 6.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

With the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill as the perfect backdrop for a gratifying and intimate brunch or lunch, COMO Dempsey astounds with its effortlessly elegant interiors and picture-perfect scenery. Boasting 4 stunning restaurant concepts, as well as a lifestyle stall, escape from the hustle and the bustle of the city and retreat to COMO Dempsey for a chichi experience with your closest friends and loved ones.

Bathed in bright sunlight during the day and romantically dim-hued in the night, all four of their intimate restaurant spaces will make you feel like royalty. The food, of course, is the main appeal here and have all been specially curated to impress even the fussiest gourmand.

Take your pick. On weekends, pamper yourself and your loved ones with a hearty brunch at COMO Cuisine, an array of refined signatures from The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, a traditional Osaka-style tempura Omakase experience that dates back to 1850 at Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh and lastly, the first Peranakan restaurant to ever have been awarded a Michelin star, Candlenut.

THE DEMPSEY COOKHOUSE AND BAR

Opened by one of New York’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar, set against the backdrop of Singapore’s modern appeal and burgeoning culinary scene, is a place where refined cuisine and elevated experiences can be found.

Here, diners can expect indulgent signatures such as the Egg Caviar (S$38++) and the Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza (S$34++) that are nuanced and contemporary, as well as a selection of Asian-inspired dishes served with a twist. Their Crispy Salmon Sushi, Chipotle Mayonnaise and Soy Glaze (S$20++) is an absolute game changer. Served warm, the combination of crispy fluffy insides with the soft, smooth and chilled salmon completely won us over.

This specially curated menu showcases the culinary innovations and refined style that runs deep within the DNA of every Jean-Georges restaurant and thrums alive under the skin of anyone that steps into the restaurant.

In a meaty mood? Their Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Chop, Glazed Mushrooms, Sage (S$38++).

Incorporating smoky, cured prosciutto into the dish, the otherwise dry pork chop is given an outer coat of savouriness while still keeping a good amount of moisture locked in. The mushrooms served on the side provide a good amount of umami and earthiness that do well to complement this colossal meat dish.

An exquisite curation of his unique cocktails and speciality concoctions inspired by Asian flavours also complement the contemporary menu, taking the entire dining experience up a notch. Diners can also opt to have a drink by the restaurant’s beautiful marbled bar before their meals are served.

The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar
Block 17D Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 5588
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 1am
Sat: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PBU2nG

COMO CUISINE

From the buttery whiff of freshly baked viennoiseries to the chocolatey aroma of fresh coffee grinds in the morning, there is truly no better place to start your day than at COMO Cuisine. Luxuriate in their hearty selection of breakfast items as well as their all-new menu that features all-day comfort fare that will power you up for the rest of the day!

On the new breakfast menu, tempt your taste buds and sweet tooth with their list of perennial favourites such as Banana Bread with whipped Tahini and coffee maple (S$12++), and the Acai Bowl with house-made almond granola, bee pollen, banana and berries (S$16++). Or if you’re in the mood for the savoury fare, the Croque Madame with brioche, organic egg, smoked ham and truffle cheese sauce (S$20++) and the Real Toast with avocado crush, heirloom tomatoes and cucumber (S$16++) will settle you right in.

Encasing melted cheddar in the centre by two perfectly toasted, sweet brioche toasts and topped with a perfectly fried egg, the former is a hearty treat that is bound to leave you completely satisfied, and the latter is a refreshing delight packed with a myriad of fresh, bright flavours.

Their all-day menu leaves a lasting impression as well, with the likes of their Pandan Crêpe with mango, passionfruit and coconut sorbet (S$12++) that boasts an insanely potent yet pleasant pandan aroma as well as a cold, refreshing coconut sorbet stuffed in-between.

Feeling peckish? Definitely go for their COMO Burger (S$26++) and Fritto Misto (S$32++) as well.

COMO Cuisine
Block 18A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249677
Tel: 1800 304 6688
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Breakfast (Mon to Fri): 8am – 12pm
High Tea (Tue & Fri): 3pm – 5pm
Brunch (Sat & Sun): 8am – 3pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PCQqBF

IPPOH TEMPURA BAR BY GINZA IPPOH

Famed for elevating tempura-making to an art form, Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh brings with it more than a century’s worth of culinary traditions and mastery to the table.

Opened by Chef Masaru Seki, a fifth-generation member of the founding family that first began the restaurant back in 1850 in Osaka, Japan, what gourmands can expect is nothing short of the freshest and most premium ingredients seasonally available—all expertly prepared with minimal seasoning to ensure that each tempura offering retains its pristine flavour and integrity without the greasiness that people typically associate with tempura.

To have an all-rounded and proper introduction to Osaka-style tempura, we highly recommend starting light with the Tsubaki Set (S$70++ per pax) that features a starter, 8 pieces of tempura made up of seasonal seafood and vegetables, along with a kakiage that comes served with either rice or cold somen noodles, followed by a dessert to round it all off.

A few à la carte signatures to consider—and we strongly suggest you do—include the Live Shrimp with Shiso Leaf (S$14++), Shrimp Toast (S$12++) and Sea Urchin Tempura with Caviar (S$28++). Both the shrimp signatures took us by surprise with their delicate textures and light flavours. The latter option, on the other hand, is a glorious, decadent one-biter that packs rich, briny flavours.

Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh
Block 17B Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 3388
(Closed on Mondays)
Lunch (Tue to Sun): 12pm – 3pm
Dinner (Tue to Thu & Sun): 6pm – 10pm
Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6pm – 11pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PJdPkU

CANDLENUT

The first Peranakan restaurant ever to be awarded a Michelin star, dining at Candlenut promises a true feast and one that would make any Nyonya proud. Designed by world-renowned architect and designer, Paola Navone, the restaurant decor features a modern concept while retaining intricate touches of the rich Peranakan heritage.

Staying true to their roots, the restaurant continues to leave diners in awe with their contemporary cuisine that preserves the true quality and complexities of traditional Peranakan food, but with a few astute tweaks here and there.

Diners can choose from more than 40 appetisers, mains and desserts from the à la carte menu for lunch and dinner or for those who prefer to leave it to the chef, you can also consider the Peranakan ‘Ah-ma-kase’ communal tasting menu at S$88++ for lunch and S$118++ for dinner. Yes, you read it correctly, a Peranakan Omakase.

Some items that we highly recommend include the Homemade Kueh Pie Tee Shell, Braised Local Turnip, Pork Belly, Prawns (S$20++), as well as the 1824 Grain-Fed Beef Cheek Rendang and Charcoal Grilled Maori Lakes Lamb Shoulder Satay, Kacip Manis Sauce—both of which are only available in the tasting menu.

As with most traditional Peranakan dishes, preparing a single dish requires tonnes of elbow grease as it is only through grinding and pounding do you get the full range of heady aromas and complex flavours to permeate through.

At Candlenut, every item that we tried was absolutely stunning but the dish that stood out most was the Blue Swimmer Crab Turmeric Lemak, Sweet Potato Leaf. Nuanced with a myriad of herbs and spices and enriched with coconut milk, this charming delight boasts a generous serving of plump, sweet crab meat that pairs excellently well with the sauce it sits in.

The green bouquet that sits on top is a combination of locally grown herbs that provide a bright and herbaceous lift to the dish—a quality that does well to cut through the coconut milk.

Candlenut
Block 17A Dempsey Road,
Singapore 249676
Tel: 1800 304 2288
Lunch (Mon to Sun): 12pm – 3pm
Dinner (Sun to Thu): 6pm – 10pm
Dinner (Fri & Sat): 6pm – 11pm
Make your reservations here: http://bit.ly/2PCD1JU

This post is brought to you by COMO Dempsey.

Valentine’s Day is just less than two weeks away, and if you haven’t thought of what present to get for your partner – we have the answer for you.

So they say, “when someone gives you his/her time, s/he is giving you a part of their lives that they cannot get back.” Make the special occasion count, let Valentine’s Day be so memorable that the moments will be etched in your hearts forever. Every reason to splurge, every reason to pamper, and more than that, love should be frivolous and unrestrained.

COOK & BREW

Over at Cook & Brew, the lively gastrobar at Level 33 of The Westin Singapore, the chefs have specially created a 5-course set menu ($260++ per couple, inclusive of a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose per person) for all the lovebirds.

Start the 5-course dinner with the finest selection of Seafood on Ice – Fine de Claire Oysters, Andaman Tiger Prawns, Marinated Black Mussels, Razor Clams. Next up is an appetising Grilled Octopus paired with grapefruits and spiced hazelnuts salsa verte, as well as a Truffle Housed Smoked Bacon Soup with Kale and Butternut. For the mains, the House Brined & Seared Waygu MS8 Short-Rib Corned Beef Style will please every meat lover. And what’s Valentine’s Day without some pretty desserts? The Cast Iron Cinnamon Brioche French Toast with a scoop of walnut ice cream and maple syrup is one lovely sweet treat to share with your partner.

To make your reservation at Cook & Brew, please call +65 6922 6948 or emailcookandbrew.singapore@westin.com.

SEASONAL TASTES

Regular readers will know that we are big fans of Seasonal Tastes for a few reasons – a wonderful view of Marina Bay and the south coast of Singapore, a super convenient location in the heart of the Central Business District, and an ever-changing buffet lineup that never fails to surprise us at every visit. For Valentine’s Day 2015, the buffet dinner at Seasonal Tastes is S$108++/pax and it is inclusive of a glass of champagne and free-flow soft drinks. And we are pretty sure the ladies will be so thrilled about the desserts shrine.

To make your reservation at Seasonal Tastes, please call +65 6922 6968 or emailseasonaltastes.singapore@westin.com

HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN™

Treat your partner to a 90-minute Berry-licious treatment (S$230++ per person) at Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Brimming with powerful anti-oxidants and natural fruit acids, this Belly-licious treatment also comes with a 30-minute Blueberry Scrub and 60-minute Blueberry Massage. The promotion is valid between 9 to 22 Feb 2015.

To find out more about The Westin Singapore’s Valentine’s Day specials, go to TheWestinSingapore.com, ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, and we have sussed out two recent favourites for you to bring your date to.

At the second level of The Arts House, overlooking the Singapore River is modern French Restaurant Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt (OCF). We like OCF because it is intimate, chic and sophisticated, and serves a superb and well-thought through meal using the freshest produce. On 14 & 15 Feb, OCF is offering a 4-course dinner (S$168++/person) with a glass of Pierre Paillard Grand Cru NV champagne. There will also be live music brought to you by talented artistes from Timbre Group playing your favourite love ballads throughout the dinner.

Start with a Maine lobster salad because you can never go wrong with the sweet crustacean. French Seabass with artichokes, oscietra caviar and vin jaune, wine made in the Jura region in France, succeeds the appetizer. The main course, Beef Tenderloin drizzled with bordelaise sauce and topped with foie gras, is the dream for all meat-lovers. Your sweet ending is the Valrhona Chocolate Royale with coffee crémeux and caramel ice cream.

Be the first 50 to secure your reservation at OCF by making a 20% deposit, and stand a chance to win a ‘Kate Spade Tudor City Lacey’ wallet (worth S$350), sponsored by Reebonz.com. Please refer to  OCF’s website for terms and conditions.

Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt (OCF)
#02-02, The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
Tel: +65 6333 9312
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

For a more affordable option, head to Table Manners at Changi City Point. It is a casual, unpretentious and a fun space where you can go with your partner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Or with a group of girlfriends for a great catch up.

This Valentine’s Day, Chef Raphael Chua has prepared a 3-course dinner (S$52/person) which will be available from 12 to 15 Feb. For appetizer, you will be served the sweet Lobster Bisque with huge chunks of lobster flesh. There are two choices for main course: a 12-hour Braised Beef Short Ribs, or the beautiful oven-baked Atlantic Cod Fish that is encrusted with an ebiko sauce. Both main courses come with the truffle mash potatoes and eggplant caponata. Complete your dinner with a delectable serving of Hazelnut Opera, served with vanilla bean ice cream.

The first 52 pairs of couples who order the Valentine’s Day set will receive over S$30 worth of beauty products, sponsored by L’Oreal.

Table Manners
#01-68/69 Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
Tel: +65 6604 7669
Daily: 11.30am to 12am
Nearest Station: Expo

This post is brought to you by A Thousand Tales. 

For many, Valentine’s Day is a dreadful day as restaurants mark up their prices ridiculously. However, it is still possible to have fun celebrating Valentine’s Day – with your partner, your family, or a group of friends – if you know where to go.

Here’s my guide to Valentine’s Day Dinner in Singapore 2013.

Like what I always say, any occasion is a good excuse to go to a nice restaurant and have a great time. My advice: avoid celebrating on the actual day. Instead, go the weekend before or after. Happy Valentine’s Day in advance.

Akashi Japanese Restaurant

Akashi is probably not the most romantic restaurant, but what it lacks in ambience it certainly makes up for with top quality Japanese food. This is a nice place to go for your first omakase experience as the restaurant uses the finest ingredients imported from Japan. Otherwise, there are also many value-for-money bento sets to choose from.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#B2-07-09 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6681 6719
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm.

DB Bistro Moderne

Daniel Boulud’s name is synonymous with fine dining in New York, and his signature Manhattan restaurant DB Bistro needs no introduction. The chefs have prepared a splendid four course Valentine’s Day menu ($148/pax). Start with a Maine lobster salad, and tease your taste buds further with their signature seared foie gras. Continue the feast with a roasted tenderloin, and end the romantic dinner with a French Kiss – Greek yogurt mousse with raspberry sorbet.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-48, Across from The Theater, Galleria Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8525

Five and Dime Eatery

Located in a colonial shop house along River Valley Road, Five and Dime Eatery is a restaurant which serves comfort food like mac & cheese, burger, fish & chips, and pasta. Most of the items are priced between $20-30.

It is a charming place, with a friendly and cosy atmosphere. Take my word for it: Five & Dime Eatery is the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner.

297 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9236 5002 Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 10pm

Fukuichi Japanese Dining

Fukuichi offers excellent set meals at reasonable prices. With its stellar location, the Japanese restaurant is a hidden gem in town. I am surprised that it is not as popular as I’d have expected it to be. It is my newest to-go place for Japanese food, I think you will love it too. If you love Japanese food, and if you are looking for a place to celebrate Valentine’s Day – or any special occasions, for that matter – Fukuichi Japanese Restaurant should be on the top of your list.

111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Tel: +65 6271 5586
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am

Open Door Policy

Being under the Spa Esprit group (which also manages Forty Hands Cafe), Open Door Policy – with the perfect Manhatten-chic vibe – certainly delivers as far as ambience is concerned. But it is more than that – it is a bistro with a difference. Everything is prepared with the freshest ingredients and when you get to dine in such a buzzy yet intimate atmosphere, I promise you will fall in love with the place. Definitely one of my top picks for a special day like Saint Valentine’s.

9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm

Restaurant Ember

I have said it before, and I will say it again: Ember Restaurant has one of the best, if not the best set lunches in Singapore. If you are planning to take a day off, bring your partner to Ember. I am sure you will have a fantastic meal. Remember to make your reservation in advance, Ember is extremely popular.

50 Keong Saik Road
Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928

Ristorante Pietrasantra

While the food at Ristorante Pietrasantra is not particularly impressive, the ambience makes up for all misgivings. The Italian restaurant is housed in a lovely building at Portsdown Road, and we love its homely, rustic setting. It is a pretty decent place to have a romantic dinner if you are not looking for something that is too fancy.

5B Portsdown Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6479 9521
Wed to Mon: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

There’s no shortage of steak restaurants in Singapore, and to make us excited over one takes more than just good food, yet Ruth’s Chris does just that. It impresses with authenticity and needless to say, the steaks are spectacular.

For steak lovers, Ruth’s Chris is the place to go for a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day.

6 Raffles Boulevard
Level 4 Marina Mandarin Hotel
Tel: +65 6336 9093
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Looking for a stunning restaurant to impress your hot date on Valentine’s Day? Salt Grill at Ion Sky is just the place to go. Perched at the top of Ion Orchard, Salt Grill Restaurant by Chef Luke Mangan is all about the complete dining experience. From the journey through the mysterious lift to the amazing view when you step inside the restaurant – there is only one word to describe it – wow!

2 Orchard Turn Level 55 & 56
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6592 5118
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm

Wild Honey

I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of having breakfast food for dinner. So, how about going to Wild Honey for a breakfast date? The second outlet at Scotts Square has a lovely interior, and it is a great place to dine if you do not wish to spend a bomb on a meal.

6 Scotts Road
Level 3 Scotts Square
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10.30pm

With twenty branches around the island, O’Coffee Club is one of the most recognised cafe chains in Singapore. For Valentine’s Day this year, O’Coffee Club has specially created a 5-course Epicurean dinner at their first outlet in Holland Village. There will be live band playing while you enjoy a scrumptious dinner.

As this is a one-time special with an exclusive menu only available at Holland Village’s outlet for this Valentine’s Day, seats are limited. I will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with my partner there, and if you are thinking of where to go for a romantic dinner, why not join us on that special night?

Besides the 5-course Epicurean Dinner on Valentine’s Day, O’Coffee Club has also lined up many treats for us in the month of February.

Macarons lovers will be thrilled to know that the new creations include ‘Muddy Mud Pie Macaroon’, which is inspired by their famous ‘Muddy Mud Pie’ dessert and ‘CNY Pineapple Macaroon’. If you are looking for a Chinese New Year gift, O’Coffee Club’s ‘Haute Collection Pineapple Tarts’ ($6.80++ per box of 8) is the perfect thing to buy besides the usual mandarin oranges when you go visiting in the CNY. Also, their February’s high tea set ($8.50/pax) is one of the most affordable afternoon tea sets in town.

That is the start of my tantalizing adventure with O’Coffee Club. Remember to sign up for the event, and we shall have a ball of a time celebrating Valentine’s Day at O’Coffee Club together.

If you truly love someone, every day should be like Valentine’s Day.

It’s great to be in love, there are so many sweet things that you can do with your partner: surprise her with a candlelight dinner during a weekend; snuggle in bed on a cold rainy day; send silly messages to each other throughout the day; buy a flower for her even though there’s no special occasion.

Guys, you do not need a reason to be romantic. You should always do things to make her feel special; she is, after-all the most important person in your life. Everyone likes list posts, so here are some romantic ideas/things to do with your partner.

There are many things in this world which I do not understand, but there is one thing I am sure of – love always wins.

Short getaway

Budget airlines like Jetstar, Tiger, AiaAsia have completely redefined the travel experience. With prices of air-tickets falling faster than a soufflé, there’s really no excuse for not going on a holiday. Plan for a 3D2N getaway to nearby cities like Phuket, Bangkok, Bali and surprise him/her. It is the best Valentine’s Day Gift for your partner.

Staycation

‘Staycations’ have become very popular in recent years, and it is a good alternative if you want to avoid the hassle of planning for a holiday.

Resorts World Sentosa (8 Sentosa Gateway Resorts World Sentosa Tel: +65 6577 8888) has a 3D2N Tropical Special at $788 which includes two nights stay at Hotel Michael Deluxe Room, Hard Rock Hotel Deluxe Room or Festive Hotel Deluxe Family Room; and one day pass to Universal Studios Singapore for Two.

Hotel Fort Canning (11 Canning Walk Tel: +65 6559 6770) is the perfect setting for couples to escape from the busy world and go a romantic rendezvous over the weekend. They are currently offering a Valentine’s Day promotion for S$380++ per room per night. The package is also inclusive of breakfast for two at The Glass House and complimentary champagne, wine and juices plus canapés at the Lobby Lounge from 6-8pm.

Be it anniversary, birthday, Christmas, or Valentine’s day, going for staycation is a romantic idea for all occasions.

Take a cooking class together

AFC Studio (181 Orchard Road #07-02 Orchard Central Tel: + 65 6834 4829) is the place to go for good and relatively affordable cooking classes. They offer different cooking classes (two hour class is $45/pax) ranging from baking French cakes; to learning how to prepare authentic Indonesian dishes. I think it is a romantic idea to take cooking classes, and it is a great way for you and your partner to have fun and enjoy quality time together.

Cook candle light dinner

There’s nothing more romantic than preparing a candlelight dinner for your partner. It doesn’t have to be fanciful dishes, it just has to be prepared by you.

Go for a romantic Picnic

A romantic picnic is a wonderful way to spend a lazy day with your boyfriend/girlfriend, and best of all, it’s a romantic gesture which doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can pack sandwiches, and your partner’s favourite snacks.

And of course, you can always “cheat” by buying from gourmet shops. Head to Jones the Grocer (12 Dempsey Road Tel: +65 6476 1512) or Da Paolo Gastronomia (290 Orchard Road, #B1-20 The Paragon Tel: +65 6738 1462) to get some food, before heading to Botanic Gardens or Marina Barrage for a picnic.

For those of you who are planning to do a picnic at Botanic Gardens, you can get pizzas from Casa Verde (1 Cluny road Singapore Botanic Gardens Tel: +65 6467 7326); they have an ongoing 1-for-1 pizza promotion (Monday to Thursday, 11am – 9.30pm) for takeaway.

(To the guys reading this: I would suggest bringing along a bottle of champagne too – it’s perfect for a simple and romantic picnic.)

For more recommendations, please read my Guide to Valentine’s Day Dinner 2012

Do share with us what are some of the romantic things that you do with your boyfriend/girlfriend. Remember, it’s not about what you do, but who you do it with. Have fun with your partner!

My friends always ask me for suggestions of gift ideas for their boyfriends. Since Valentine’s Day is just next week, I thought it would be fun to share some ideas on presents to get for guys.

Contrary to popular belief, getting presents for men is not that difficult; you just need to know what his hobbies are. Guys love gadgets, or at least, most guys do. Just go along that line and you’ll be fine. If not, you can always bring him to go shopping for a wardrobe overhaul. (Just make sure you promise not to walk into the female section.)

Here’s a list of Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men.

Wallet

One of the essential items every man should have, a good wallet can go a long, long, way. The brand of the wallet depends on his preference, so you can try to ask casually if he likes any particular brand.

Palate dining card

This is a good gift if both of you enjoy trying out new restaurants. While the membership fee may seem a little steep at $428+/year, the card allows members to benefit from dining privileges of up to 50% at over 40 restaurants island-wide, as well as a range of trendy bars.

It sounds a little too good to be true, but I’ve tested it, and yes, it really offers you 50% off (discount for 2 persons dining) at restaurants like Anar, Brasserie Wolf, Fremantle Seafood Market, il Lido, OChre, Keystone Restaurant, Roast, and Tung Lok.

(Full Disclosure & Fine Print: I was given the Palate membership for free during the media launch; no monetary benefits were received to write or to furnish my opinion.)

Smart phones

Smart phones have changed our lives, and having instant messengers like WhatsApp and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will allow you to communicate with each other on-the-go. Get an iPhone or BlackBerry for him this Valentine’s Day, I’m sure he will love it!

Chocolates

A new British Medical Journal article suggests that indulging in chocolate could lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. I know it’s a cliché to buy chocolate as a Valentine’s Day Gift, but who cares? Chocolate has health benefits, and there’s no doubt that it makes us happy.

Get a proper present for your partner, and throw in chocolate as a little bonus. Chocolate Research Facility (9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-30 Millenia Walk Tel: +65 6338 5191) is a one-stop heaven for chocolate lovers with a world-first collection of 100 flavours under one roof. For more ideas, take a look at my list of Valentine’s Day Food Gifts.

Camera

No matter where I go, camera is one of the things I always bring along. Be it photos of food, or people, the captured memories are priceless. If you are still thinking of a Valentine’s Day gift for your boyfriend, why not get a nice camera? A decent midrange DSLR camera (like Nikon D7000 or Canon 600D) is a good start, otherwise you can consider others like FujiFilm X100, Olympus EP-3 or Panasonic GF-3.

Thinking of where to go for a romantic date? Read my Guide to Valentine’s Day Dinner.

With Valentine’s Day just two weeks away, the question on everyone’s mind: where to go for a romantic date?

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, I’d suggest celebrating it the weekend before, or a few days after. Unless both of you have violent objections and insist on celebrating it on the actual day, it really doesn’t make sense to pay so much just because it is February fourteenth.

As such, this post is mainly on romantic restaurants in Singapore which I think are worth trying; you can also use it as a guide for other special occasions. (I’m not including the details of Valentine’s Day set menus. If you want to find out more, please call the respective restaurant to check their Valentine’s Day promotions.)

Here are some suggestions on where to go for Valentine’s Day Dinner 2012.

Otto Ristorante

I’ve been hearing good things about Otto Ristorante, but somehow I never got the chance to try it. I finally went there recently, and I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Otto Ristorante has a 5 course degustation menu at $88/pax, which in my opinion, is great value for the quality of food.

It is definitely going into my list of must-try Italian restaurants in Singapore.

28 Maxwell Road
#01-02 Red Dot Traffic Building
Tel: +65 6227 6819

Bar & Billiard Room

Take a day off and enjoy lunch with your partner at the Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel. I like the nostalgic feel of the restaurant, and the buffet selection offers a wide variety of choices. Buffet lunch from Mon to Sat is $60++/pax, while dinner is $75++/pax.

1 Beach Road
Raffles Hotel
Tel: +65 6412 1816

Brasserie Les Saveurs

If you’re going to do brunch, do it in style in one of the most posh settings in Singapore.

Brasserie Les Saveurs at The Regis is easily one of the most romantic French restaurants in Singapore, so why not come here for an early Valentine’s Champagne Brunch this coming Sunday?

At $170++/pax, the Champagne Brunch Buffet at Brasserie Les Saveurs is not cheap. But what you get is a wonderful experience with free flow of champagne.

29 Tanglin Road
The St. Regis Singapore
Tel: +65 6506 6888

Bistro Soori

Bistro Soori is a cool, cosy, informal restaurant with a small open kitchen and a few tables, which makes you feel as though you are dining in a friend’s place. The prices aren’t too high (although not too low, either), and you can have a good meal without spending ridiculous money. It was one of the best meals that I had in 2011, and I think you will like it too.

2 Teck Lim Road, Singapore
(Near Outram/Tanjong Pagar)
Tel: +65 6438 3802

Halia Restaurant

Halia Restaurant is located in the Ginger Garden of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and it has been known as one of the most romantic restaurants since opening in 2001. While prices are rather steep, it is the perfect place for a special date.

1 Cluny Road
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: +65 6476 6711

Hummerstons Restaurant

One of my favourite new restaurants is Hummerstons restaurant at Robertson Quay. The food is competent, and reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out.

11 Unity Street
#02-14 Robertson Walk
Tel: +65 6737 8863

JAAN Restaurant

If money is no object, go to JAAN Restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford.

JAAN by Chef Julien Royer is, without a doubt, one of the best restaurants in Singapore. Of course, I can’t afford to eat there all the time, but for a lavish meal like this, enjoyed with a amazing view of Singapore’s skyline – it is indeed a fine way to splurge during a special occasion.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford
Tel: +65 6431 5670

Keyaki Japanese Restaurant

Keyaki – at the rooftop Japanese garden on level 4 of Pan Pacific Hotel – is a traditional fine dining Japanese restaurant. For dinner, you can either eat at the Teppankayi counter, order ala carte or go for the 8 courses Kaiseki dinner set ($160++/pax).

The Japanese Restaurant currently has a very good brunch deal on weekends (12 noon to 2.30pm): 10 course kaiseki set brunch featuring Japanese cuisine prepared in various styles is available for just $60++/pax. Feast on the selection which includes daily kobachi, three types of appetisers, assorted sashimi, steamed egg custard, assorted tempura, teppanyaki beef or pork with fried rice, dessert.

7 Raffles Boulevard
4/F Pan Pacific Singapore
Tel: +65 6826 8335

Recommended : Valentine’s Day Food Gift Ideas

Which is your favourite restaurant for a romantic date? How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day 2012? I want to hear from you!

Italian cuisine is very popular in Singapore. I have been to quite a few Italian restaurants in Singapore but somehow most of them did not live up to standards.

Let me go straight to the point: La Cantina in venezia is one of the best Italian Restaurants in Singapore, and I will definitely recommend it for that special occasion.

La Cantina in venezia is located on the 8th level of Changi Village Hotel and it has a very classy yet soothing ambiance. The Italian restaurant is ideal for a quiet lunch, or a romantic dinner with your date.

Sometimes, it can be quite boring to have Italian food all the time. But I certainly will not mind eating at La Cantina every day if I live in the area. Okay maybe not every day, but you get the idea.

La Cantina in venezia’s menu has a good selection of Antipasti (from $15-$20), Pizza ($20-$30), Pasta/Risotto ($20-$27), and Main Course ($27-$35). Amongst the twenty pasta/risotto available, I’d probably come back again to try the squid ink linguine and seafood pasta in spicy tomato sauce.

The pizza section had interesting choices (with unique names) like Ferrari (pomodoro, mozzarella, bacon, salami, capsicum & fresh tomato) and Raikkonen (pomodoro, mozzarella, bacon, salami & sausage). If you are a big eater, go for the meats like grilled lamb in rosemary ($35) or rack of veal in italian mushroom sauce ($35).

Our lunch started with the Parma Ham on Rock Melon ($18.50) which was absolutely delightful. The paper thin slices of Parma ham came with the extremely sweet melon.

My dining companion is a big cheese lover, so it goes without saying that we ordered the Mixed Cheese Platter ($31) when she saw it on La Cantina’s menu. It was a lot of cheese, and even with the others helping us, we could not finish everything.

Our table ordered a few thin-crust pizzas, and they were huge. It was impossible to finish a whole pizza by yourself – definitely recommended for sharing.

La Cantina Italian Restaurant’s Linguine Al Granchio ($26.90) was PERFECT. The al dente linguine had huge chunks of crab meat and it was definitely one of the best pasta I’ve had. The portion was also quite substantial – I’d advise you to share this as the pasta was pretty rich and heavy.

Throughout lunch, I was pacing myself to save room for desserts. La Cantina does not have that many options for desserts, so we went for safe choices like the Tiramisu and Chocolate Lava Cake.

The Tiramisu was competent. It had a rather heavy dose of liquor and since the others were too full by then, I had the whole dessert to myself.

It took around 15-20 minutes for the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake to come, and luckily, it was worth the wait. After having under-par chocolate lava cakes elsewhere, I was relieved to find that the one here had a molten centre.

After trying the Italian food at La Cantina in venezia, it has joined Ristorante Da Valentino as my favourite Italian Restaurants in Singapore.

Valentino has a very homely vibe and serves really good authentic Italian food. On the other hand, La Cantina in venezia is stylish and it is definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore. The Italian restaurant at Changi Village Hotel may not be the most accessible place, but they are definitely worth a try.

Singapore Food Blog Review
La Cantina in venezia
1 Netheravon Road
#08/09-02 Changi Village Hotel
Tel: +65 6546 9190

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Whenever readers ask me to recommend romantic dining places in Singapore, I will always think of the restaurants at Dempsey road. Among the options there, The White Rabbit ranks highly on my list of romantic restaurants in Singapore.

The White Rabbit, owned by the folks behind Loof and OverEasy, is a romantic restaurant housed within a beautiful restored Chapel in Dempsey Road.

I fell in love as soon as I stepped into the place.

Fine dining restaurants are usually not very versatile. I mean they are nice for a romantic dinner, but some of them can be quite intimidating. The White Rabbit, on the other hand, is great for just about any occasion. Be it a romantic date with your partner, a chic business lunch with your clients or a casual dinner with a group of friends.

I wanted to dine at The White Rabbit for the longest time, and I finally came here last week for their 3 course set lunch ($38++ per pax).

Amongst the five starters that were available on The White Rabbit’s menu, we opted for the Caponata and White peach salad. Drizzled with Italian herbs and olive oil, the crispy tiger prawns were accompanied by eggplant, celery and Roma tomatoes.

For our second appetiser, we chose the White Peach Salad over the Grilled Vegetables, Smoked Salmon and Mushroom Soup.

The White Rabbit’s set lunch menu has 5 different choices to satisfy everyone: Pan Seared Salmon Fillet, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, Braised Oxtail, Galantine of Duck, Roasted Lamb Rump and pasta. We eventually settled for the salmon and duck.

Served with Petit Pois Puree (green peas) and carrots, the Salmon was pan seared nicely and we thought that it was pretty well done. But with no substantial sides, the portion might be too small for folks with big appetite.

The Galantine of duck however, came with simple yet tasty potatoes. The herbed minced beef stuffing within the de-boned duck was subtle, and the dish somehow tasted like roasted duck.

Out of the three desserts on The White Rabbit’s lunch menu, we had the Tiramisu and Valrhona Chocolate Tart (with the other option being profiteroles). It is difficult to judge a tiramisu since everyone has different interpretations on what makes a good tiramisu. If you like it with a strong alcohol taste, you will love the one here.

The White Rabbit’s tiramisu had an extremely strong liqueur flavour at the base, which left a bitter after-taste lingering in the mouth for a long time. We did not really enjoy it, and thankfully there was the Valrhona Chocolate Tart to distract us.

Paired with a slightly sourish strawberry ice cream, the chocolate-y Valrhona Chocolate Tart was small in size but huge on flavours. It contrasted hot with cold and sweet with sour perfectly.

The romantic restaurant has a uber-chic watering hole in the al fresco area. The Rabbit Hole is an outdoor bar which is a lovely place for some drinks and finger food. It is definitely a good option for events and parties, but don’t expect it to be cheap.

Hold my hands and follow me down the rabbit hole…

The 3 course set lunch at the White Rabbit is $38++ and they also have a 4 course degustation menu at $98++ per person. For their ala carte menu, appetisers like the tuna carpaccio and steak tartare start from $20. Most of the main courses are in the $30ish range and desserts like the creme brulee and souffle are $16 each.

The White Rabbit restaurant has received mixed reviews so far: there are people who love the Alice in Wonderland theme restaurant, and there are also others who feel that the food is inconsistent and not worth the money.

Whilst the food at The White Rabbit may not be the most spectacular, sometimes food becomes secondary when you are eating at such a beautiful place.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The White Rabbit
39C Harding Road
Dempsey Singapore
Tel: +65 6473 9965

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I am sure most of you have made reservations at a romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day Dinner, why don’t you include a food gift as part of the surprise?

If your talent lies in eating rather than baking, this list of Valentine’s Day Gifts and Presents will come in handy for any festive occasions.

I love to feed people, I love the satisfied look on their face after a big feast, I love how food can always make us happy. Naturally, I always give food gifts to my friends and loved ones.

I know Cupcakes are so yesterday, but it never fails to make me happy so who cares if they are cliche. Be it the pretty cupcakes with fanciful toppings, or the plain ones with a messy and rustic look — it is always nice to see a cupcake. If you want to give cupcakes as part of your Valentine’s Day Gift, Marmalade Pantry has some of the best cupcakes in Singapore. You can also look for customised cupcakes from online bakeries.

GET THE BEST CUPCAKES IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Awfully Chocolate
131 East Coast Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6345 2190

Marmalade Pantry
2 Orchard Turn #03-22
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 2700

Give me a box of macarons and I will love you forever.

Macarons are delicious little devils, they are like love potions sealed within the shell. How can something so small be so intriguing? They are the perfect food gifts for Valentine’s Day.

GET THE BEST MACARONS IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Canele Patisserie
1 Scotts Road #01-01A
Shaw Centre Singapore
Tel: +65 6738 9020

Jewel Artisan Chocolate
181 Orchard Road #02-31/32
Orchard Central Singapore
Tel: +65 6509 8998

SweetSpot Patisserie
10 Bayfront Avenue Lobby Level,
Tower 3 Marina Bay Sands Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6688 8888

Do I really need to elaborate about giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day? There are several Chocolatiers in Singapore like Laurent Bernard, Truffls, and Jewel Artisan which offer delicate and beautifully crafted truffles.

GET THE BEST CHOCOLATE IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-11
The Pier @ Robertson Singapore
Tel: +65 6235 9007

Royce Chocolate
Basement 4, Near ION Station
2 Orchard Turn
#B4-10 ION Orchard
Tel: +65 6509 9340

Truffs The Chocolate Artisan
179a Telok Ayer Street Singapore
Tel: +65 9088 2736

Jelly Hearts Cheesecake is a dessert sold in Singapore by online bakeries. Maybe it is the fact that I am not a baker, so the Jelly Hearts recipe seems a little complicated. Basically, each Jelly Heart consists of a cheesecake square base topped with heart shape strawberry piece within the translucent jelly.

There is no nice dinner, fanciful holiday or diamond ring, but you can have my jelly heart.

GET THE STRAWBERRY JELLY HEART CAKES IN SINGAPORE FROM:
Eds Kitchen
Pick-up Area: Choa Chu Kang MRT
Make orders 2 Days in advance
$10 for a box of 12 pcs Jelly Hearts

The Jelly Hearts
Contact Candie Tel: +65 9118 4639
Pick-up Area: Flora road (Near Loyang)
Make orders 4 days in advance
$38 for a 5″ Heart Shape Jelly Heart Cake

Jelly Hearts
Contact Brian Tel: +65 9459 7711
Pick-up Area: 38 Hertford road Farrer Park
Make orders 2-3 days in advance
$18 for a box of 20pcs, or $10 for a box of 10pcs

* * *

Even though the title of this post is Valentine’s Day Food Gifts & Presents Ideas, you can also use this guide for other occasions like Christmas Food Gifts, a gift exchange session, or simply as a present to your partner.

Just one thing to note, the food gift should not be your only plan, it is just a nice little surprise. You should have a real Valentine’s Day Gift prepared. Instead of spending money on flowers that never last, why don’t you DIY a chocolate flower bouquet as your Valentine’s Day present for your date? Happy Valentine’s Day!

// Read my recommendations of romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Located at Chip Bee Gardens, Chez Petit Salut is the sister restaurant of Au Petite Salut, and it is a great option for causal dining if you are craving for French food.

Like the main restaurant at Dempsey road, the French bistro offers two different set lunches: 3 course set lunch at $30++.

We had two normal 3 course set lunches and for starters, we had the Salmon Tartar, which was light and refreshing – the perfect appetiser to start our lunch. When it comes to escargot, there are typically only two reactions: a) I love it or b) eew snails are so disgusting! My lunch partner belonged to the latter camp, and refused to touch the escargot so I had everything to myself.

It took us a while to choose the main course. You could have the excellent Onglet Beef with French Mustard Jus and mashed potatoes, or the Penne pasta with roasted vegetables, or the catch of the day. It is impossible to not be tempted by the Chicken Leg Confit and the Braised Lamb Shoulder, and it’s hard to say no to my favourite Mushroom Risotto.

We eventually settled on the Mushroom Risotto and the Catch of the day which was an Escolar. The fish was very fresh and well-cooked, it fell apart nicely when we teased it with a fork. The portion was quite small for guys, but it is probably just nice if you don’t want to fall asleep in the office after lunch.

As much as I love risotto, I’d usually avoid this dish when it comes to choosing a main course for set lunches. It seems a little silly to choose risotto when there are meat and seafood on the menu. But I was glad that I ordered Chez Petit Salut’s Mixed Mushroom Risotto with light cream emulsion and Parmesan Cheese. It was rich, and creamy: thick flavourful rice done al dente, with the earthiness of the fresh mushrooms giving it an additional flavour.

I think this is easily one of the best risotto that I had before.

Amongst the six desserts available on Chez Petit Salut’s set lunch menu, we didn’t want the Fresh Fruit Salad, Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, and Financer with chantilly cream, so it left us to choose two desserts between the classic Creme Brulee, Choux Buns and Homemade Cheesecake.

We agreed that the Gateau au Fromage Blanc was too good to miss, and since I had Au Petit Salut’s creme brulee before, we went for the Choux Buns with vanilla ice cream.

Filled with vanilla ice cream and glazed with a sweet and thick coating of chocolate sauce, the choux buns were gone before you could pronounce profiteroles. While they were not fantastic, we wanted to end the meal on a sugar high, and the Choux Buns did just that.

The Homemade Cheesecake was accompanied by a mixture of fruits, a delightful end to a great lunch at Chez Petit Salut.

For more recommendations, read my list of French Restaurants in Singapore

Chez Petit Salut
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-54
Chip Bee Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65 6474 9788
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

I have received many emails asking me to recommend romantic restaurants in Singapore for Valentine’s Day Dinner. Many of you are probably trying to decide on a nice restaurant to bring your date, I hope that this list of Valentine’s Day Dinner Restaurants will help you make the decision.

If money is not an issue, obviously you can go for the best restaurants in Singapore like Les Amis, Iggy’s, Andre, and the celebrity chef restaurants at Marina Bay Sands.

But not everyone has the budget to splurge on a $500 meal, so my list of Valentine’s Dinner will include a range of dining options in Singapore: affordable cafes, ideal places to celebrate with a group of friends, and also romantic restaurant with nice ambience and good food.

Barracks Cafe

Barracks Cafe at House is one of my favourite restaurants at Dempsey road – they have nice ambience, and decent food at good value. There is currently no special Valentine’s Day Dinner menu, so order the skinny pizzas, and main courses like fish & chips, lobster linguine from their normal ala carte menu.

Barracks Cafe is ideal for all occasions, be it Valentine’s Dinner for two, or with a group of friends. If it’s not raining, get a table in the lovely al fresco during dinner.

Price Range: $20ish for most main courses, and $7-$12 for desserts.

8D Dempsey Road #01-01 to 06
Tanglin Village (Dempsey Road) Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 7787

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant

I know having German food doesn’t sound as romantic as French or Italian cuisine, but if you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a group of friends, why not have some German sausage and beer? Brotzeit German Restaurant has branches at Vivocity, Raffles City and 313 @ Somerset. If you have been there before, check out Paulaner Brauhaus at Millenia Walk.

Price Range: $20-$40 for a main course, $50 upwards with beer.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-149/-151 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6272 8815

District 10 Bistro

Whenever my friends ask for my recommendation for a romantic restaurant which is also laid back and affordable, I will always think of District 10 Bistro at Windstedt road near Newton Circus.

District 10 will be having a special ala carte menu for Valentine’s Dinner, but it is not out yet. I understand that there won’t be any set menu, but the prices for the ala carte items may be increased slightly higher. Please give them a call to check on the status of the ala carte menu next week.

Price Range: $20-$30 for Main Course, $12 for Desserts (Prices may be higher during Valentine’s Day).

10 Winstedt Road #01-17 Singapore
Tel: +65 6738 4788

Foo House Cafe & Bar

The Easties may want to check out Foo House Cafe & Bar near Upper Changi Road. Chef Robert Foo from Foo House used to work at Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore as their Executive Sous Chef. They serve big portions of Western food at very reasonable pricing. Currently, there isn’t any special Valentine’s Day Dinner promotion, do give them a call to check on a closer date.

Price Range: $15-$25 for a main course.

6 Jalan Pari Burong Picardy Garden Singapore
Tel: +65 6445 3110

il Lido Italian Dining

If you are looking for a romantic restaurant in Singapore to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner, il Lido Italian restaurant is definitely the place. The restaurant needs no further introduction, it is one of the most popular Italian Restaurants in Singapore.

This Valentine’s day, they have a special dinner menu at $148++ per head. Start with an amuse bouche, and tease your palate with the grilled Hokkaido scallops and goose liver terrine. Follow up with the lobster tagliatelle and choose between il Lido’s Altantic cod fish and wagyu striploin. End the Valentine’s Day Dinner on a sweet note with their soft chocolate tart. Sounds good? Give them a call to make your reservations now!

Price Range: iL Lido’s Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu (available from 11-14th Feb 2011) $148++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $40 upwards.

27 Bukit Manis Road #02-00 Sentosa Golf Club Singapore
Tel: +65 6866 1977

1 Twenty Six

Another romantic restaurant that I will like to recommend is 1 Twenty Six at Big Splash, East Coast Parkway. They have a special Valentine’s Day promotion, the $95++/pax menu includes: tasting of oysters, pan fried foie gras, Hokkaido scallop, Angus Dried aged beef and a raspberry chiffon.

Price Range: 1 Twenty Six’s Valentine’s Day Dinner $95++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $30 for pasta, and $40 upwards for meat/seafood.

902 East Coast Parkway Blk E, #01-26
Playground @ Big Splash Singapore
Tel: +65 6348 2126

Osia Resorts World Sentosa

The Valentine’s Day Set Dinner menu at Osia Resorts World Sentosa is $320++ per person. It comes with oyster, crab bisque, foie gras. For the main course, choose from grilled king prawn or the Black Angus beef tendeloin, and their famous valrhona hot chocolate soup.

Price Range: Osia’s Valentine’s Day Promotion (available only on 14th Feb 2011) $320++ per person. Main courses from ala carte menu $40 upwards.

8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa Singapore
Tel: +65 6577 6560

The Landing Point at Fullerton Bay Hotel

With the opening of the restaurants at Fullerton Bay Hotel, and Customs House, we have new options for waterfront dining which give us a magnificent view of the Marina Bay area. For this Valentine’s Day, why not surprise your partner and go for high tea at The Landing Point, Fullerton Bay Hotel?

Like the afternoon tea at Regent Tea Lounge, the 3 tier dessert high tea set at The Landing Point is replenish-able if there’s no sharing and each person gets his/her own set. The Afternoon Tea (available from 3pm to 5.30pm daily) is $38++/pax and comes with scones, sandwiches, pastries and coffee/tea.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel
80 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6333 8388

The University Club

I know it may sound a little strange to have Valentine’s Day Dinner in the university, but if your partner and you first met in the university schooling days, I think it’s quite memorable to celebrate this special day back in the campus.

The University Club is a romantic fine dining restaurant run by the owners of the Prive Group. It has a $98++/pax Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu which starts off with amuse bouche, and an organic mushroom soup. Continue the dinner with the Scallop & Pea risotto, and choose your main course between the Dory or Wagyu Beef. End off with a happily-ever-after ending by having the Ivory Chocolate & Strawberry Tart.

Price Range: The University Club’s Valentine’s Day Dinner menu (available on 11th, 12th, & 14th Feb 2011) $98++/pax. Main courses from ala carte menu $20-$40.

11 Kent Ridge Drive Level 4
Shaw Foundation Alumni House Singapore
Tel: +65 6779 8919

* * *

Read my list of romantic restaurant in Singapore for more choices, and my guide to Valentine’s Day Gifts: Food Edition.

I know it is expensive to eat out at restaurants during Valentine’s Day, but I also believe that it is a special occasion for us to indulge. Guys, be a gentleman and hand over your wallet, and Ladies, wear your best dress and put on nice party make up for the dinner.

Every day can be Valentine’s Day if you cherish each other. For those who do not want to squeeze with other couples on Valentine’s Day or during the weekend (12th & 13th Feb 2011), why don’t you celebrate the occasion a few days earlier? Or even better still, cook a scrumptious meal for your partner at home. Have fun planning for Valentine’s Day!

It’s not about where you eat, but who you eat with.